Google has partnered with the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, which plans to embed the Android operating system in cars starting in 2021.
The Alliance will add Android to its cars’ dashboard navigation system. It will feature Google Maps with turn-by-turn navigation, access to automotive apps in the Google Play Store, as well as the ability to answer calls/texts, control music playback, perform searches, and issue voice commands via Google Assistant.
In addition to the in-car integrations, the Alliance plans to add Google cloud-based systems to further enhance their cars through unique user interface elements and features specific to each of the three brands. This UI will be build on top of Android. The Alliance Intelligent Cloud will also offer secure connectivity, data management, and over-the-air upgrades and remote diagnostics.
The Alliance said the system will be compatible with both Android and iOS mobile devices. The auto brands didn’t say which models might be first to ship with Android Auto on board.
